Written by Bill Sutton

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Four Horbury residents have been recognised by the Rotary Club of Horbury and Ossett Phoenix for their long term commitment and contribution to local community life. All four were invited for a meal at the Rotary Club meeting where they were each presented with a framed certificate, trophy, and a celebratory bottle of wine, as a memento of their evening and acknowledging all they have done.

Wendie and David Wilby in recognition of their unstinting and selfless work for over 20 years with Horbury Pageant Players, and providing development opportunities to many people in our community.
Wendie and David had experienced life on stage in Ossett, Wendie in amateur dramatics and David as a choir member. 22 years ago the Horbury amateur theatre group, Horbury Pageant Players, asked Wendie to stand in at short notice after one of the cast had to drop out due to illness two weeks before a show. She soon learned the script and the show went on to be a great success.

Further acting parts followed before she changed role and became that of Producer/Director which involved sourcing the script, and organising auditions and rehearsals many months before the curtain goes up, and most importantly, directing the cast and crew. Up until a few years ago the group would present the pantomime in February plus a musical review in the summer, quite a commitment. All this wouldn't have been possible without the help and dedication of countless other volunteers over the years.

Husband David, being a loyal supporter, soon found that his joinery skills were required, making scenery and props, having learned how things worked back stage, he gradually moved into the difficult co-ordinating role of Stage Manager.

Over the twenty two years that Wendie and David had been involved with the Horbury Pageant Players, hundreds of people from the local community, from the very young to the more mature, have been on stage, gaining experiences which have boosted their confidence and skills for life. A few have gone on to study at RADA in London.

Having retired from the stage in 2018 Wendie and David were able to relax by attending the opening night of the 2019 pantomime. When presented with their award they modestly pointed out that the Pageant Players Group could not present the productions it has over its 72 year existence without the help of countless volunteers, players and of course public support.

Debora Smith was recognised for her commitment, energy and enthusiasm to promote community activities in the Horbury area

Debora’s commitment to the community of Horbury began over a decade ago when she first moved into the village and became a Leader for the local Beavers, a role which still takes up much of her free time.
She is a founder member of the Horbury W.I. taking a leading role as their first President and working hard to recruit new members to a very lively and proactive group. She has continued her involvement as the Treasurer.
Notwithstanding a full time job and her already extensive time commitments to the community, Debora has also undertaken a rigorous and exhausting training regime to take part in various half and full marathons, fundraising for the Haven, a local Breast Cancer support centre. She was also one of the brave competitors committing to a 12 week training programme for the Strictly Come Dancing event at Horbury School raising money for Breast Cancer Care.
Debora demonstrates a deep desire to make a difference to all communities and has recently completed an induction programme to be a Magistrate.

Julie Yarrow was recognised for her dedication and commitment to the people and community of Horbury by working to provide outstanding facilities and signposting opportunities

Julie began her involvement with Horbury the community of Horbury & District over a decade ago as the Wakefield Express local correspondent which entailed her connecting with local groups to promote events and activities in the area. Along with her partner and others she was also actively involved in the Friends of Carr Lodge Park which led to the creation of the existing childrens play area.
The knowledge and contacts she developed as our local correspondent proved invaluable as she became part of the organising team for the Horbury Craft and Street Fayre, an annual community event giving local groups the opportunity to promote their activities and crafts. This brought many visitors into Horbury and is one of the key summer events in the local calendar.
As a homeowner in Horbury, in 2008 she was elected as a Trustee of the Horbury Common Lands Trust, which is one of the oldest grant making Trusts in the country offering financial support to the people and fabric of Horbury.
Julie has worked for many years as a volunteer at the Community Centre and with her tenacity and drive has been a constant strength in developing the Cluntergate Centre. As a Trustee of the Horbury Community Centre Trust, Julie was one of the central figures in seeking and obtaining significant grants for the recent refurbishment.

Within every community there are the movers and shakers and there are those who just do and Julie Yarrow is certainly one of those who quietly works in the background, seeking no public recognition but deserving the acknowledgment she shuns.

The awards were presented by the current Horbury and Ossett Phoenix Rotary President Alan Hudders and seen on the left of the photos is Club member and Past President Ian Rayner who not only coordinated the research on the candidates but also organised and compered the Presentation Evening. A big thankyou to him for his hard work.

Written by 2018/19 President Alan Hudders

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On Wednesday 27th March 2019 The Horbury & Ossett Phoenix Rotary Club provided a treat for 147 Seniors form Horbury/Ossett Area.

The afternoon included bingo, an entertainer Ken Romano, a packed lunch sandwich, sausage roll and bun, supplied from Boulby's and served with tea and coffee, finishing with a raffle.

Thanks to a number of Rotary members and some partners the Event ran very efficiently and was enjoyed by all attendees.

This was achieved by using some of the funds raised over the Christmas period's Santa's Sleigh Runs.

Once again another example of Rotary making a real difference in our Community.

Written by Bill Sutton

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Morrisons Supermarket on Dewsbury Road, Wakefield, is leading the way with their fundraising efforts for the Clic Sargent cancer charity and the Rotary Club of Horbury and Ossett Phoenix have been regularly lending them a hand over the past 9 months by conducting bucket collections in store, including last Friday which was World Cancer Day.

So far Morrisons have raised over £13,100 in the last financial year and the Rotary collections have contributed over £2800 to that total. Mike Robb, Youth Services Chairman of the Rotary Club said, " It is great for us to be able to support the charity fundraising efforts of Bev Kelly and her colleagues at Morrisons. The team at the supermarket have also been very supportive of our efforts to raise funds for our charitable trust by allowing us to take Santa and his helpers to the store over the Christmas period. We will be inviting Bev and her Manager along to our Presentation evening in May when we intend to distribute a significant amount of money amongst many charities and good causes within our communities."

Bids for funds from the Rotary Charitable Trust can be made up to and including 28 February 2019, use this email address to ask for an Application Form: email address now deleted or contact through Facebook at Rotary Club of Horbury and Ossett Phoenix.

Photo Rotarians Mike Robb and
Ian Rayner collecting at Morrisons  

Written by Bill Sutton

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Local bids welcome for Rotary charity money

After a bumper 2018 Christmas period when Santa and his sleigh helped the Horbury and Ossett Phoenix Rotary Club raise over £5000 for good causes, the money is now in the Club’s Charitable Trust Fund. Along with some of the proceeds from the 2018 Horbury Show, it is available for bids for funding from individuals, community, charitable and youth sporting organisations within Horbury, Ossett and surrounding areas.

Rotary Club President Alan Hudders when launching the appeal said," We raise our funds in the local community and it is right that the vast majority is returned to good causes within the same community. We have set aside a significant sum within our Charitable Trust and invite bids of up to £400. In 2018 a similar invitation led to £7300 being distributed between 21 different individuals, clubs and groups. We look forward to receiving a good number of bids again this year."

In previous years awards have been made to a wide variety of good causes across the district including bordering areas of North Kirklees. They have included kit for youth sports teams, musical instruments for bands, support groups for the elderly, school facilities, equipment for brownie packs, youth clubs and equipment for individuals with very specific needs.

• Application and information forms can be obtained by emailing................................after the 1st of February 2019. (email address deleted as of 10th April 2019)
• Applications then need to be completed and returned in accordance with the instructions on the form by the 1st of March 2019.
• All applicants will be notified of their success or otherwise by the 12th of April.
• All successful bidders will be invited to attend a presentation evening at Horbury Working Members Club on the evening of Friday the 10th of May.

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Written by Stephen Brook

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The Rotary Club of Horbury & Ossett Pheonix are proud to support Wakefield Hospice once again and many of our members will be making some of the Christams tree collections on their behalf.

It is a great cause & very useful service in January! An easy way to maximise your charitable donations.

Written by Bill Sutton

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The Rotary Club of Horbury and Ossett Phoenix are all set for a busy time helping Santa on the run up to Christmas when they will be helping to tow his second best sleigh and ensuring he does not run out of sweets as he visits houses in and around Horbury and Ossett.
Santa's first appearance will be at the switch on of the Christmas lights in Horbury on the evening of Friday 30 November. The fun will begin about 5pm on the car park of Horbury Methodist Chapel with Santa arriving about 5.30 and lighting up the town centre about 6.30. As usual he will not arrive empty handed, and he will be assisted by rather large elves from the Rotary Club who are raising funds for a number of local charitable causes.
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the following week he will be visiting areas of Ossett, Horbury Bridge and Horbury. itself as shown on the Rotary Club web site (www.phoenixrotary.co.uk) and Facebook.
On Thursday 6 December he will be found from 5.30pm to 7pm in Gawthorpe where he will help to switch their Christmas lights on and meet children close the park on High Street, near the Boot and Shoe.
The following week will see 3 more nights of visits around the area including a new area the Amberwood Estate just off Owl Lane, Gawthorpe.
On Friday 14th December, Monday 17th, Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th he will be at the entrance to Morrisons Supermarket during the afternoons and early evenings.
For full details as to where and when to meet up with Santa see www.phoenixrotary.co.uk and for latest updates checkout the Facebook Page = search Rotary club of Horbury and Ossett Phoenix Santa’s sleigh